Big L’s interview with A Killer’s Confession’s Waylon Reavis!

Waylon Reavis, who is best known as one of the lead vocalist for Mushroomhead from 2004 until 2015, has a son named Phoenix. The young man’s name, by definition means ‘a person or thing that has become renewed or restored after suffering calamity or apparent annihilation’.

It may just be a coincidence or perhaps it was just a higher power that had a premonition of what the future may hold for the older Reavis.

Reavis parted ways with Mushroomhead due to “irreconcilable differences” in October of 2015. But like any great artist, the love of their craft is constantly flowing through their veins. The same can be said for Reavis.

He had plenty on his plate, doing guest appearances with several bands, spending time with his family, but he was always searching for the right fit to a project that he had in mind. He found it while surfing the internet one day, coming across one Matt Trumpy (guitar).

After meeting, the duo knew they had something to work with, so they went about putting the pieces together in order to form A Killer’s Confession, beginning in September of last year.

Joining Reavis and Trumpy are fellow guitarist, Paul Elliott, bassist J.P. Cross and drummer Jon Dale. Combined this powerful quintet are getting set to drop their first album “Unknown” on the EMP Label Group, which was founded by Megadeth bassist, David Ellefson.

With the release date looming, Reavis took a little time out of his busy schedule to do a phone interview with The Rust Belt Chronicles and our fans.

WR: It actually came from the song which is the fourth tune on the album. We originally were going to go with ‘Unbroken’ but then we found that there were a bunch of bands that use that name. It actually worked out rather well.

TRBC: How long has this project been going on and how did it come about?

WR: Actually, just since September. I was working on the computer and doing different searches and found a video of Matt, and was very intrigued. Once we got together we knew we were onto something. It’s been a rapid journey but one that I’m extremely proud of.

TRBC: How important was it to get the backing of a record company such as EMP Label Group?

WR: Oh man, it has been a tremendous boost to have those guys getting behind us. There is no way that I can thank David and Thom (Hazaert, co-producer along with Reavis) enough. It is just a one record deal but we are extremely proud to be with EMP

WR: ‘Perfect Corn Sugar’. No seriously we have the capabilities to do whatever we want. We’re all on the same page and our sound ranges from the heavy to melodic…and we can’t wait to get it out to the fans.

TRBC: You’re the most recognizable entity of the band…can you give us a little low down on the rest of the members?

WR: As I said about Matt earlier, once I saw him on the internet I knew he had what I was looking for. He has a tremendous drive and can absolutely shred the guitar. He is simply outstanding. Once we sat down it was history. Paul Elliot the other guitar player is the peanut butter to Matt’s jelly. Matt said if you’re getting me, Paul has to come along as well and I’m glad he did. I have known J.P. for nearly 25 years, in fact he was in the first band I was ever in. We have a lot of history and he stepped up when we needed to fill the bassist position. He has a great attitude and is a definite asset for us. And finally Jon has a ton of experience and is a very skilled studio artist. He has a ton of talent. All together we have a great connection and I think it shows in our work.

TRBC: What are the fans going to get when they come out to a live performance from A Killer’s Confession?

WR: They can definitely expect to be entertained. We play with a ton of intensity and emotion. It’ll be an in-your-face experience that I believe they will love at least we hope they do.

TRBC: I know you just did a short tour recently; how was the band received by the fans?

WR: We weren’t sure what to expect considering we didn’t have an album at the time. But they were very welcoming and they expressed their like for our sound. It was great!

TRBC: Speaking of touring, I know you’re slated to hit the road with the guys from Nonpoint at the end of May. Have you ever worked with them before?

WR: Actually I haven’t but we are very humbled and honored to be hitting the road with them. They are road warriors and have been doing it for a long time. It is going to be a privilege to share the stage with them.

TRBC: How soon should fans expect to be able to get their hands on “Unknown”?

WR: Well I learned yesterday it’s going to be available for the retail market on May 12th. But we are having a CD release party on Saturday at The Foundry in Lakewood, Ohio so we’ll have hard copies there. The show itself is going to be outstanding. We have Erasing Never, The Party, Deadleaf and Two Dead Roses as opening acts. So come out and have a good time with us.

WR: Man, I love that dude. Big Dad is family; in fact Phoenix calls him grandpa. Big Dad lights up a room any time he walks in. He is just a great guy. If I ever have any personal issues all I have to do is give him a call and I get the best advice. There is a true love and respect there. All the guys in THC are good people.

WR: I love you all and hope you enjoy A Killer’s Confession. Buckle up because it’s going to be a fun ride!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out A Killer’s Confession yet head over to YouTube and take a listen. If you’re a fan of Waylon Reavis, I think you’ll enjoy what you hear. And if you’re not familiar with his work, then I believe you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. “Unknown” is not going to be that way for very long.

Should you be in the Lakewood area on Saturday, stop into The Foundry and purchase a hard copy of the CD and enjoy the show. Tickets for the all-ages show are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. You can purchase them at http://bit.ly/2p740Dn.

The Foundry is located at 11729 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Doors are scheduled to open at 7:00 p.m.

It may not be as dramatic as the mythical legend that is the Phoenix, which is said to have risen from the ashes to live another life. But it certainly appears to me that Reavis has been reborn with the help of A Killer’s Confession!

Until next time, this is Big L saying ‘keep those horns up and rock on!! \m/ \m/

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Hello my name is Larry Ritter, or “Big L” to most of my friends. I’m a production supervisor for a major manufacturer of auto parts here in northwest Ohio. I received an Associate’s degree from Owen’s Community College where I graduated cum laude honors. I have a true passion for music, sports, photography and riding motorcycles. My love for these things are surpassed by just one thing, family, which includes two sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren.